Local Politics

---

Great Grimsby Constituency

Background of Great Grimsby

The postcode DN32 9AG is located in Great Grimsby, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Melanie Onn MP of the Labour party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Great Grimsby is located in North East Lincolnshire, centring on the town of Grimsby. Known historically for its significant fishing industry, the area has faced economic challenges as the industry has declined. Despite this, Great Grimsby continues to have a strong community identity, with new economic developments emerging in renewable energy and offshore wind farms.

Politically, Great Grimsby has been a Labour stronghold for much of the 20th and early 21st centuries. The constituency was notably represented by Labour MP Austin Mitchell from 1977 until 2015, when Melanie Onn succeeded him. In the 2019 general election, however, the seat shifted dramatically to Conservative control, with Lia Nici elected as MP, reflecting broader national trends towards the Conservative Party in former Labour heartlands.

Demographically, Great Grimsby has a relatively high proportion of residents in skilled trades and ordinary working-class occupations. The population faces socio-economic issues typical of post-industrial towns, including unemployment and lower-than-average incomes. Educational attainment and health outcomes in the area are challenges that local initiatives continue to address.

The electorate of Great Grimsby is diverse yet traditionally leans towards Labour, although recent years have seen more volatile voting patterns. The constituency had a pivotal role in the 2016 Brexit referendum, with a significant majority—approximately 71.45%—voting to leave the European Union. This high leave vote influenced subsequent political shifts and underscored the area’s support for Brexit, impacting its alignment in national politics.

In summary, Great Grimsby is a constituency with a storied political history, economic challenges, and a clear stance on Brexit, making it a vital and continually evolving political landscape within the UK.

Brexit

Did Great Grimsby vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Great Grimsby voted in favor of Brexit in 2016, joining the national trend of leaving the EU. The decision could have been influenced by various factors, such as concerns over immigration levels, job security, and a desire for greater sovereignty. With a strong history of fishing and industrial heritage, residents may have felt disconnected from decisions made in Brussels and saw Brexit as an opportunity to take back control. Despite facing economic challenges, many in Great Grimsby saw leaving the EU as a chance to secure a better future for themselves and their community.